Project Manager - Northwest Colorado

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and competent person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources and native and wild fish populations in the Yampa and White watersheds in Northwest Colorado. The position will develop and implement projects in these watersheds including removal of fish barriers, irrigation improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat.  Duties will also include active and effective participation in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for cold-water fisheries.

Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and an understanding of fluvial restoration and morphology, hydrology, ecology, water rights, working agriculture and partnership-building.  Candidate must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. This position will work with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state agencies, municipalities, watershed coalitions and collaboratives, engineering firms, local stakeholder groups, and private landowners on projects that mutually benefit stream health and watershed resiliency. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for cold water fisheries is also required. 

The position will be based in Routt, Moffat, or Rio Blanco County in Northwest Colorado (Steamboat, Craig, or Meeker).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop relationships with water users, the agricultural community, and agency staff. 
• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations. 
• Promote and implement farming and ranching practices that enrich soils, enhance biodiversity, restore watershed health, and improve overall ecosystem function.
• Raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects.
• Manage grant application and reporting requirements.  
• Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Contract with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.
• Monitor project results to quantify project outcomes. 
• Represent Trout Unlimited staff on local committees or stakeholder groups.
• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions where appropriate.
• Advocate for fish-friendly water management. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

• B.S or M.S. degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field. 
• Four years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fisheries biology, environmental policy, or similar field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers, landowners, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture principles and practices and ability to implement these strategies in coordination with partners. 
• Experience with grant writing.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required. 4x4 vehicle is beneficial.  

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and competent person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources and native and wild fish populations in the Yampa and White watersheds in Northwest Colorado. The position will develop and implement projects in these watersheds including removal of fish barriers, irrigation improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat.  Duties will also include active and effective participation in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for cold-water fisheries.

Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and an understanding of fluvial restoration and morphology, hydrology, ecology, water rights, working agriculture and partnership-building.  Candidate must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. This position will work with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state agencies, municipalities, watershed coalitions and collaboratives, engineering firms, local stakeholder groups, and private landowners on projects that mutually benefit stream health and watershed resiliency. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for cold water fisheries is also required. 

The position will be based in Routt, Moffat, or Rio Blanco County in Northwest Colorado (Steamboat, Craig, or Meeker).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop relationships with water users, the agricultural community, and agency staff. 
• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations. 
• Promote and implement farming and ranching practices that enrich soils, enhance biodiversity, restore watershed health, and improve overall ecosystem function.
• Raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects.
• Manage grant application and reporting requirements.  
• Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Contract with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.
• Monitor project results to quantify project outcomes. 
• Represent Trout Unlimited staff on local committees or stakeholder groups.
• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions where appropriate.
• Advocate for fish-friendly water management. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

• B.S or M.S. degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field. 
• Four years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fisheries biology, environmental policy, or similar field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers, landowners, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture principles and practices and ability to implement these strategies in coordination with partners. 
• Experience with grant writing.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required. 4x4 vehicle is beneficial.